Oceana statement on voting outcome of part of the CFP reform package

Press Release Date

Yesterday the European Parliament voted on part of the Common Fisheries Policy reform package, the outcome of which, despite a close vote, is disappointing according to Oceana:

“We are disappointed by the lack of ambition shown today by the European Parliament. The decision to reject the objective to recover and restore fish stocks above levels which can produce MSY puts the future of the sector at risk,” stated Xavier Pastor, Executive Director of Oceana in Europe.

The Parliament also voted to maintain the status quo when it comes to the three “pillars” of the CFP, placing social, economic and environmental concerns on equal levels, despite clear evidence that the environment is a prerequisite to sustainability.

“Without a healthy marine environment there simply cannot be a sustainable fishing sector, no matter how much they don’t want to admit it,”added Amelie Malafosse, Policy Advisor.“One positive outcome of this vote however, was the rejection of subsidies for fleet renewals, which is a very important step towards adapting our fleet to the reality of our resources.”